Insecticides are a powerful tool for dealing with insect populations that exceed treatment of thresholds. However, some insects have developed resistance to certain insecticides and are no longer killed by chemicals that once provided excellent control. For example, corn rootworms can no longer be controlled with chlorinated hydrocarbons like aldrin and heptachlor. In time, most species of insect pests develop resistance to commonly used insecticides, which makes control more difficult.

As a crop producer, you can slow down the development of insect resistance to insecticides by observing a few pest management rules."Treat only those fields where the insect population justifies treatment. Don't try to kill "every last one" of the insects by using higher insecticide rates than are needed. Where possible, use alternative control measures such as rotation of crops for corn rootworm control.

In insect management, the best possible advice to growers regarding insect resistance is "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today!" When insect resistance shows up, it's too late.